La Grange, Illinois Legal Separation Attorney
Legal Separation
Sometimes divorce is not the best option right away.
You may want to take some time to think about how to proceed.
In those cases, you may want to consider a legal separation.
The Law Offices of James M. Chesloe of La Grange, Illinois can help you with every
family law matter you encounter, including legal separation.
James M. Chesloe is an experienced negotiator and has the legal acumen and caring demeanor to help guide your marital decisions.
He can answer questions you may have about how to initiate a legal separation in Illinois.
Helping Clients Understand Legal Separation
Deciding to live physically apart is separation, but it is not legal separation.
Legal separation requires filing paperwork in court, much like a divorce.
It is an agreement to stay married, but live separate lives.
Some couples that opt for legal separation may later decide to divorce.
Since James M. Chesloe is an experienced divorce attorney handling cases throughout Cook, DuPage and Will counties,
he can help answer any questions you have about the differences and similarities between legal separation and divorce.
Comparing Legal Separation and Divorce
- Divorce legally ends a marriage; legal separation preserves a marriage for a defined period of time
- Divorce and legal separation must be handled through the court system
- Divorce and legal separation can both have provisions for child and spousal support
Explaining the Steps to Legal Separation in Illinois
To initiate the separation, James M. Chesloe will guide your completion of and help you file a petition and summons.
This summons must be given to your spouse and you must file a Certificate of Mailing, which is available at your local post office.
The certificate verifies the sending and acceptance of mail.
James M. Chesloe can advise you on the best place to file for legal separation and request a hearing.
Before you part ways, you should think about what is important to you.
These items will become a foundation for your legal separation agreement.
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James M. Chesloe will help you to build an agreement that outlines:
- How long you intend to be separated
- What happens when the legal separation ends
- Living arrangements and visitation for children
- Parental decision-making for issues with children
- Child and spousal (alimony) support determinations
- What kind of communication is authorized
- The frequency of communication
- How you will handle marital assets and debts
- Any options to resolve matters, such as therapy
- Whether it is permissible to date other people
These are just some of the questions that should be answered.
James M. Chesloe can help you figure out the rest.
He will work diligently to help you make the smoothest transition possible and execute well-thought solutions for your unique situation.
The Law Offices of James M. Chesloe serves clients in Willow Springs, Western Springs, Brookfield, La Grange, Countryside,
Hickory Hills, Lyons, Westchester, Stickney, Oak Lawn, and throughout Chicagoland as well as in Cook, DuPage and Will counties.
For a free initial consultation, call 708-579-5353 or Email me today.
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